Arizona Cardinals: First round 2021 NFL Draft targets

We have to assume that Jamarr Chase will be the first receiver taken in the draft and then it will come down to team preference between the two Alabama receivers, Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith. With DeAndre Hopkins manning the X receiver role in Arizona they are looking for other playmakers across the offense. Whoever is selected to fill out the Cardinals receiver room will have plenty of mentors with Hopkins, AJ Green and potentially Larry Fitzgerald all in the room.

Jaylen Waddle

Waddle would be an excellent addition for the Arizona Cardinals as a Z or slot receiver. He possesses spectacular playing speed, great hands, an impressively wide catch radius and has shown the ability to run clean routes at each level of the defense. Waddle shows impressive acceleration and consistently left defenders far behind creating major separation within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Waddle’s biggest negatives are his recent injury history and his slight frame while he occasionally travels too deep into his routes as well.

DeVonta Smith

Smith has a small frame but he is deceptively strong for his size. He has tremendous body control and sure hands, ensuring that he can make catches in traffic. He is a great route runner and creates good separation however Smith is much less elusive than someone like Waddle and will not run away from tackles like Jaylen either.

Rashod Bateman

Bateman projects to be one of the most versatile receiving prospects this year and should be able to line up at any receiver alignment (x, z, or slot). In college, he played in a run-pass option offense scheme which would fit well in the Kingsbury offense. He has a great ability to track the ball, runs extremely sharp routes, and attacks the catch point very well.

He doesn’t have top-end speed but has a great release package and finds holes in defenses easily. His biggest cons are his speed and some drop issues but the positives greatly outweigh the cons.